— nationwide programme to benefit more than 5,100 rice farmers as gov’t delivers on cash grant promise to support industry

MORE than $403 million was distributed to rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday as the Government commenced its nationwide cash grant programme, fulfilling a commitment made earlier this year to support the rice industry amid rising production costs and global market challenges.
The distribution exercise, held at the Anna Regina Town Council compound, was led by His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Saturday.
It marked the start of the Government’s cash relief initiative for rice farmers, first announced during consultations with farmers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in April.

Under the programme, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres receive $10,000 per acre. The nationwide initiative will benefit more than 5,100 rice farmers cultivating over 235,000 acres across Guyana.
Addressing hundreds of farmers, President Ali said the distribution was another example of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government honouring its commitments to the agricultural community.
“This is a government you can trust. This is a government that continues to work alongside you. This is a government that has demonstrated respect for you,” President Ali told farmers.
The President highlighted several measures implemented since 2020 to reduce production costs and improve profitability for farmers, including the removal of VAT on electricity and water, the abolition of tolls at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, transportation support for paddy, expanded ferry services to the Essequibo Coast, and major investments in drainage and irrigation infrastructure.
He also announced additional initiatives aimed at strengthening the rice industry, including the rehabilitation of farm access dams into all-weather roads, the expansion of drainage and irrigation systems, the opening of new agricultural lands in Region Two, and the construction of a modern rice drying and storage facility.
“Whatever agriculture initiative you have, this Government will back those initiatives,” the President assured.
President Ali also revealed that the Government is exploring the use of drone technology to assist farmers with fertiliser application and crop spraying, particularly to address labour shortages and reduce production costs.
He further encouraged farmers to diversify into crops such as onions and livestock production, assuring them that the Government is prepared to provide support to expand agricultural opportunities and increase incomes.
Minister Mustapha said the distribution represented much more than financial assistance.

“Today is more than just a distribution of cash grants. Today is about trust, accountability and, more importantly, about keeping a promise made to the people of our country,” he stated.
He recalled that during consultations in April, President Ali listened directly to farmers’ concerns regarding increasing production costs and uncertainties in the global rice market before committing to the cash grant.
“He did not make excuses. He did not make promises for another day. He gave his commitment that the Government would stand with the rice farmers,” Minister Mustapha said.
The Agriculture Minister noted that Guyana’s agriculture sector has experienced significant growth since 2020, with rice production increasing from approximately 550,000 tonnes in 2020 to 825,000 tonnes last year. He added that the first rice crop of 2026 has already yielded about 414,000 tonnes, positioning the industry for another strong production year.
Mustapha said the Government has continued supporting rice farmers through fertiliser assistance, improved market access, infrastructure upgrades and strengthening the Guyana Rice Development Board.
“This assistance recognises the important contribution of our rice farmers and helps cushion the impact of rising production costs,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continued investment in agriculture, describing the sector as a key pillar of Guyana’s economic growth and regional food security.
Rice farmers expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that it will help them invest further in their rice fields.